Auto Parts: Fuel System, spark plug gap, 2003 hyundai sonata

Question
I have been having a problem starting with my 2003 hyundai sonata.  After the car has been sitting for a while, it takes two or three cranks to turn over.  I was told it could be a fuel system check valve that hold the gas up in the fuel rail.  Not sure if my car is equiped with one of these or if the part can be ordered seperately from the fuel pump.  Do you know any more about this topic?

Answer
Hi Randy,

Could be one of the following:

Excessive spark plug gap(s)
Excessive resistance in the wires
no vacuum to the regulator
bad or missing engine ground strap
blocked fuel filter
dirty or blocked fuel-pump sock
fuel line restriction
low compression due to a leaky head gasket
intake manifold or throttle-body base plate leak
Bad or dirty IAC (Idle Air Control) valve
Dead cell in the battery

There are about a half-million other things that can cause a hard-start situation. After you check all that stuff, let me know some additional background info on the problem and I'll try to assist you more.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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